Bright-eyed ninth graders wander into a new theatre environment in the Kinkaid Katz building, and are greeted by Mrs. K’Lynn Hocker who is ready to help guide them in the way of the theatre. The tenth graders walk in, having a year under their belts already, with an open mind to learn new tips and tricks and to help develop the skills of their freshman peers.
A program started by Mr. Scott Lambert, director of visual and performing arts, and Ms. Frances Limoncelli, theatre and teacher, in 2019, New Faces has been one the best additions to the Kinkaid theatre program for 9th and 10th graders.
“Back in the 50s and 60s, there was a famous Broadway review annually called “New Faces” which showed new actors every year, and it was very famous,” said Ms. Limoncelli. This gave the inspiration for the name of the show.
The idea of Kinkaid’s own version of New Faces came with the goal to have underclassmen perform on a smaller scale in a low stakes show rather than performing in an entire musical right away. It successfully focuses more on giving students an experience on stage by learning choreography and performing songs while getting them out of their comfort zone.
“On the day of the New Faces show, I actually almost dropped the person I did a lift with,” said senior Jaisal Kalapatapu, “It was kind of a traumatic experience for both of us, but it ended up being a learning experience to not let your nerves get the best of you.”
Kalapatapu is now starring in the 2023 musical Hello Girls and has used his experience from New Faces throughout his theatre career.
Other students have had similar experiences.
“I think New Faces just gave me more experience in the theatre world before the big musical,” said sophomore Bridget Gray.
The arts program at Kinkaid is highly competitive. However, New Faces offers a chance for anyone to be under the spotlight without cuts.
Students coming from solely dancing, singing or acting backgrounds are given the opportunity to mix their interests with new skills and be a part of something bigger.
“If you have any interest in music, singing, dancing or acting to any degree, there’s a place in New Faces for you.” said Mr. Lambert.
New Faces has become quite influential not only in developing each individual student’s theatrical career, but also it has helped build new relationships.
“I get to know the freshmen a little bit more and I get to make new friendships that I’ll carry with me to other plays and musicals that are coming up,” said Gray.
With the production of New Faces comes the teamwork, and New Faces has sparked friendships between people who will likely be together within the entirety of their theatre career at Kinkaid.
“You’re starting to sort of develop your theatre tribe with your fellow cast members with people who you think sort of get you, and that’s really big when it comes to building confidence,” said Ms. Limoncelli.
Now directed by Mrs. Hocker, choreographed by Ms. Mary Cable, dance teacher, and musical directed by Mr. Chip Colvin, Upper School choir and music teacher, the 2022 rendition of New Faces contains songs from musicals such as Newsies, Bring it on, Charlie Brown, Hamilton, Tuck Everlasting, SpongeBob, and Into the Woods. The cast and their directors are focusing on the theme of “better together” and are ready to perform on Dec. 3 in the Brass Recital Hall.
